Citizens Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is presented twice a year by the police department's Community Relations Unit in an effort to educate the community about their police department. The course is free, and all participants must live or work in Allen and be at least eighteen years of age.

During the twelve week course, participants are instructed on topics ranging from criminal law and patrol tactics to effective surveillance techniques. The group may also take field trips to facilities such as the Collin County Detention Center, Collin County Medical Examiner's Office and the police shooting range.

After graduating from the Citizens Police Academy, alumni become eligible to train for two additional volunteer groups: Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) and Citizens on Patrol (COPs). Members of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association actively support and assist the police department.

Since its inception in 2000, approximately 175 citizens of Allen have graduated from the 12-week Citizen's Police Academy. Many of the graduates from the CPA continue their involvement with the police department through the VIP and COP programs.

The Volunteers In Policing (VIPs) assist with daily functions and tasks at police headquarters. Their duties may include staffing the front desk, helping with vehicle maintenance tasks, assisting the Internal Affairs and Record Units, and doing clerical work for the Criminal Investigations Division.

Those serving in VIPs are graduates from the Citizens Police Academy. For more information, call the Community Relations Unit at 972.678.2500.

Apply for the Citizens Police Academy